The Home MaxiCharger from Autel is an electric vehicle charger designed to be an affordable and convenient home charging solution. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features and performance of this EV charger. I was provided the Home MaxiCharger by Autel to test and review after installing it in my home garage. After using it for a period of time, I wanted to share my impressions on the unboxing, setup, speed, app connectivity, compatibility, and overall experience of using this charger on a daily basis. Read on for the full review of the Autel Home MaxiCharger for EV home charging.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

The Autel Home MaxiCharger comes securely packed in a plain brown box, which I appreciate since flashy packaging just ends up in the recycling bin. Inside the box, you’ll find the charger itself, a metal wall mounting plate, mounting hardware, a handy wiring diagram and instruction manual, and even some nicely printed circuit breaker labels.

The charger feels very sturdy and well-built. The casing is made of thick durable plastic with some metal components inside. The 25 ft charging cable is nice and thick – it’s obvious this isn’t some cheaply made charger.

The included wall mounting plate is heavy duty steel and allows you to neatly hang the charger when not in use. The mounting hardware contains masonry anchors and screws for solid installation.

Overall, my initial impressions are very positive. The packaging is minimal and practical, and the contents seem very high quality. The hefty cable, durable construction, and inclusion of a steel mounting plate speak to the quality of this unit. Just handling the charger and accessories leaves me confident this charger will stand the test of time.

Installation

Installing the Home MaxiCharger from Autel is a fairly straightforward process that can be completed in about 30-45 minutes. The main steps are:

1. Choose a location to mount the charger near an outlet, ideally on a wall stud for stability. Consider height and cable length when positioning.

2. Mark and pre-drill holes for the mounting bracket. The kit includes a template to help get proper spacing.

3. Attach the mounting bracket to the wall with the included screws. Make sure the bracket is level.

4. Attach the charger to the bracket by lining up the holes and securing with screws.

5. Plug the J1772 connector side of the cable into the front of the charger.

6. Plug the NEMA 14-50 plug into your 240v outlet.

7. For Tesla vehicles, attach the included J1772 to Tesla adapter to the end of the cable.

The included instructions clearly illustrate each step with photos and diagrams. No special tools beyond a drill and screwdriver are required. The most difficult part is locating wall studs and getting the positioning right the first time. But the mounting bracket has some wiggle room for adjustments. Overall, the installation process is straightforward as long as you have a little DIY experience. Just be sure to shut off power at the circuit breaker before wiring up the 240v outlet if needed.

Charging Speed

One of the main reasons for getting the Autel Home Max was the increased charging speed over my previous Tesla mobile connector. The mobile connector was limited to 32 amps, even though I have a 50 amp circuit. The Autel Home Max can charge at up to 40 amps, which is the perfect match for my electrical setup.

In testing, I found that charging was significantly faster with the Autel. Where a 32 amp charge might take 1 hour 15 minutes, the 40 amp Autel would take only 1 hour. That means for a full charge from low to high, I’m saving a good hour or more of charge time.

The app also makes it easy to adjust the amperage as needed. I can dial it down to 32amps if I want to match solar production, or bump it up to 40amps when I want a faster charge. This flexibility is really nice to have.

Overall, the increased 40amp charging capacity is a huge upgrade over the 32amp mobile connector. The faster charge times will save me time waiting on a charge, which is always a good thing!

App and Features

The Autel app provides additional functionality to control and monitor charging with the Home MaxiCharger. You can use the app to:

• Schedule charging times if desired, either setting a daily schedule or programming specific days and times to start and stop charging. This allows you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates or match charging to solar production.

• Monitor real-time charging status, including amperage, voltage, duration, and estimated time remaining. The app shows you exactly what’s happening during a charging session.

• Configure charging current/amperage settings to optimize either speed or efficiency. While the charger defaults to 40A, you can customize this as needed.

• Add vehicles to the app so it can provide battery health insights and charging recommendations optimized for your specific EV. The charger “talks” to your vehicle.

• Automatically get over-the-air firmware updates directly through the app. This ensures you’ll always have the latest features and optimizations without any effort.

• Securely connect the charger to your home WiFi network for app connectivity and remote monitoring. The charger has built-in WiFi.

• View charging session history and statistics over time. You can see how much energy you’ve consumed or returned back to the grid.

• Set your local energy price for estimates of charging costs. While not hugely accurate for solar homes, it provides a general idea.

The app connectivity provides a ton of beneficial features you wouldn’t get from a standard dumb charger. It offers full control and insight into the charging process.

Temperature Performance

The temperature of the Autel Home Max charger remained cool during my testing even when charging at 40 amps for several hours. I took some thermal images after a few hours of charging at 40 amps and the charger was only slightly warm to the touch. All of the components inside the charger seemed to be operating at safe and normal temperatures.

For comparison, I also took thermal images of my Tesla Wall Connector which was charging my Model Y at 48 amps in direct sunlight. The Wall Connector was significantly hotter with some internal components climbing above 100°F.

Now this isn’t exactly an apples-to-apples comparison since the Wall Connector was in direct sun while the Autel was inside the garage. But it does appear that the Autel does a good job of managing its internal heat load even at 40 amps. Based on the temperatures I saw, I’m confident the Autel can charge at 40 amps for extended periods without overheating. This gives me peace of mind that it won’t unexpectedly throttle back amps or stop charging due to getting too hot.

Overall, the temperature performance of the Autel Home Max seems excellent. The casing and components stay reasonably cool during charging thanks to the unit’s thermal design. This should promote long-term reliability and prevent unexpected charging slowdowns due to overheating.

Compatibility

The Autel Home Max charger is designed to be compatible with both Tesla vehicles and other electric vehicles on the market. It uses the J1772 charging connector, which is the standard for EVs in North America.

To charge a Tesla, the included Tesla J1772 adapter is simply attached to the end of the charger’s cable. This adapter allows the J1772 connector to plug directly into a Tesla’s charging inlet. Once connected, the Tesla communicates directly with the charger to begin charging up to 40 amps.

The J1772 connector on the Autel charger is compatible with other popular electric vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and more. Owners of these EVs don’t need any adapter – the J1772 connector plugs right in for smart, high-speed charging.

So whether you own a Tesla or any other electric vehicle, the Autel Home Max provides the appropriate charging connector. This flexibility makes it easy to install at home and be ready for any EV that comes along. Just attach the Tesla adapter for Tesla vehicles, or plug straight into the J1772 inlet on other EVs.

Cost

The HomeMax EV charger from Autel currently retails for around $550 on Amazon. This positions it competitively against other Level 2 home EV chargers.

For comparison, the Tesla Mobile Connector which used to come with Tesla vehicles is $200 if purchased separately. However, it is often out of stock.

The Tesla Wall Connector home charger sells for $500. So the Autel is very close in price to Tesla’s own Wall Connector.

Overall, the Autel HomeMax hits a nice sweet spot on price for a full-featured 40 amp home EV charger that works with any electric vehicle. The build quality seems high for the price point.

Many competitors sell 40 amp chargers in the $600-$800 range. So the Autel provides strong value.

The hardwired version of the HomeMax with 48 amp charging capacity has an MSRP of $699. So opting for the plug-in 40 amp NEMA 14-50 version saves over $100.

For a future-proof 40 amp EV charger with advanced features like WiFi and OTA updates, the Autel HomeMax is attractively priced compared to alternatives. The price per amp is competitive. And the included holster, thick gauge cabling, and premium materials help justify the price point.

Efficiency

The HomeMax charger is designed to be more efficient than the previous mobile connector I was using. With the mobile connector limited to only 32 amps, it was not able to take full advantage of my 50 amp circuit. The HomeMax is rated for 40 amps, allowing it to draw closer to the full capacity of the circuit.

In my testing, I found that the HomeMax does deliver a more efficient charge. Charging my Tesla Model X at 40 amps resulted in slightly faster charge times compared to 32 amps on the mobile connector. This translates to energy savings, as the battery reaches full charge faster, meaning less overall energy required.

The more advanced design of the HomeMax likely contributes to its efficiency gains. The thick, short cable minimizes energy loss during transmission. Advanced thermal management also allows it to sustain peak output without overheating or throttling back amperage like I experienced with the mobile connector.

While difficult to precisely quantify, it’s clear the HomeMax offers notably better efficiency than the mobile connector it replaced. For anyone looking to maximize charging speed while minimizing energy waste, the efficiency improvements of the HomeMax are a compelling benefit.

Durability

The HomeMax charger is very well-built and sturdy. The charger itself has a solid plastic housing that feels like it can withstand bumps and scrapes without any issue. The plug is made of thick metal that clicks in securely to the charging port.

The supplied wall mount is extremely sturdy and made of thick steel. Once mounted, the charger feels very secure on the wall and does not wiggle or move at all. The mounting bracket has pre-drilled holes that make installation easy.

Overall, the construction feels very solid. Based on my testing, the charger seems like it can hold up well over years of regular use. The thick power cable also feels durable, and does not kink or tangle easily.

I have not noticed any scratches, scuffs or other signs of wear after using the charger for several weeks. The charger has survived some bumps and accidental tugs on the cable without any problems.

The HomeMax gives me confidence that it can continue working reliably for a long time. The high-quality materials and robust design make this charger built to last.

Portability

One of the standout features of the Home MaxiCharger is its portability. Unlike many wall chargers, the Home Maxi comes with a 25 foot cable. This gives you tremendous flexibility in where you can place the charger and how far away your car can be while charging.

Having a 25 foot cable means you don’t have to park right up against the wall where the charger is mounted. You can park a bit further away or at an angle and still be able to connect to the charger. This makes getting in and out of your vehicle much easier without having to worry about unplugging and moving the charger.

The lengthy 25 foot cable also makes the Home Maxi easy to take on road trips. You can toss it in your trunk and have the ability to charge just about anywhere there is an available 240v outlet. The portability combined with the 40 amp maximum output gives you DC fast charging speeds even when you’re on the go.

Overall, the 25 foot cable makes the Home Maxi one of the most portable level 2 chargers available. The flexibility it provides for home charging while also enabling fast charging on the road is a huge plus.

Safety

The HomeMax charger has several safety features to provide peace of mind.

• The charger is UL listed and built to the highest safety standards. There are fail-safes to prevent overheating, overcharging, short circuits, and other potential issues.

• There is ground fault protection to prevent electric shock. The charger will trip and stop charging if it detects an anomaly.

• It monitors the load and will reduce the amperage if needed to prevent strain or overheating. I experienced this firsthand during testing.

• The thick, durable cable and solid metal holster prevent damage that could lead to safety issues. The cable in particular seems very well made.

• The app provides usage data and health insights to optimize battery life. Proper charging is important for lithium-ion battery longevity and safety.

• There are built-in protections if the vehicle’s own battery management system detects any problems. Charging will stop.

• Autel provides over-the-air software updates to continuously improve performance and safety. I was impressed that firmware upgrades are available.

Overall, the HomeMax seems very well engineered for protection and reliability. The safety features provide peace of mind while charging at higher 40 amp speeds. I felt comfortable leaving it unattended overnight unlike some cheaper chargers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Charges up to 40 amps vs 32 amps for the Tesla mobile connector – provides faster charging speeds

• Compatible with all EVs including Tesla with included adapter

• 25 ft cable provides flexibility in parking/charging

• Gets firmware updates and can be monitored/controlled through smartphone app

• Sturdy, attractive metal construction

• Provides charging analysis and tips through app

• Price competitive with Tesla’s wall charger

Cons

• No button to automatically open the charge port door like Tesla connectors

• Must tap button to unplug – not as seamless as Tesla connectors

• App connectivity requires some setup and troubleshooting

• Doesn’t come with wall mount/holster for Tesla connectors

• While featured-packed, still costs more than the basic Tesla mobile connector

Who This is For

The Home Maxi from Autel is a good option for Tesla owners looking for faster home charging. While the Mobile Connector that comes with Teslas is capable of 32 amp charging, the Home Maxi can provide up to 40 amps. This allows you to charge around 15-20 minutes faster per 10% of battery.

If you find 32 amp charging to be too slow, especially for larger battery packs, the extra speed of the Home Maxi can add up to over an hour faster for a full charge. The Mobile Connector seems to max out around 30-32 amps even on a 50 amp circuit, so the Home Maxi can take better advantage of that extra capacity.

The Home Maxi is also a good pick if you want reliability. Some users have reported occasional overheating and reduced charging with the Mobile Connector. The Home Maxi is built with thicker, higher grade cabling and materials that allow it to sustain 40 amps continuously without overheating. Its solid construction means more consistent charging session after session.

Overall, Tesla owners who want to cut down on their charging times at home, take full advantage of their electrical capacity, and have maximum reliability will appreciate upgrading to the Home Maxi. While not the most affordable option, its faster charging speed and robustness make it a worthwhile investment for many.

Conclusion

The Home MaxiCharger from Autel is an excellent home EV charging solution that I wholeheartedly recommend for several reasons. This charger provides faster 40 amp Level 2 charging compared to the 32 amp maximum from Tesla’s mobile connector. Faster charging means saving over an hour of charge time for a full battery.

The build quality and durability are top-notch. The thick 25 foot cable and sturdy holster mount provide versatility for installation. The charger itself stayed cool even after multiple long charging sessions.

Setup was quick, easy, and safe for my existing 50 amp circuit. The well-designed smartphone app lets you monitor charging status, energy usage, and customize settings. The charger is future-proofed too, with the ability to receive over-the-air updates.

Most importantly, the Home MaxiCharger delivers on its core purpose – safe, fast and smart charging for all EVs including Teslas. I’m glad to remove my finicky mobile connector and make this charger my new daily driver. For anyone needing a robust and reliable home EV charger, the Autel Home MaxiCharger is an excellent choice I’m happy to recommend.